Patriots Players With the Most to Prove This Preseason

Patriots football kicks off TONIGHT! It’s only a pre-season game, but it’s been so long since we’ve had football and I’m pretty hyped to see the Pats get back at it.

It might get boring after the first two weeks, but pre-season is important for the guys who are on the bubble of making a roster or not. It’s their chance to show what they bring to the table on an NFL team. Here are some guys who have something to prove tonight and going forward for the Pats:

Jacoby Brissett, QB

The Patriots drafted Jacoby Brissett in the third round last year knowing that Tom Brady would be suspended for the first four games of the season. If it weren’t for that, I doubt he would be on the team at all. The Patriots rarely carry three QB’s, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s cut to open up a spot for somebody who they feel can contribute to the team right away. Especially if he shows no signs of development, and right now it appears he hasn’t been doing that in camp.

Cyrus Jones, CB

Another player from the 2016 draft class, Cyrus Jones has a lot to prove this preseason. He was a bit of a disappointment last year and as a second round pick, a lot was expected out of him. For his sake, the addition of Stephon Gilmore will allow him to not be relied on as much, and it also gives him a veteran to watch in practice every day. However, there are also plenty of corners on this roster who are fighting for spots, and if Jones can’t prove his worth to this team as a corner and return specialist they would not be afraid to cut ties with him. We saw Belichick dump Dominique Easly just two years after he was drafted, and he was a first round pick. He is not afraid to part with a high pick or big name if someone else shows more value.

Kony Ealy, DE

From dominating Super Bowl 50 to a potential roster cut, this whole Kony Ealy situation is confusing the hell out of me. I’m starting to see why the Panthers practically gave this guy away. Apparently, his problem right now is that he hasn’t really been able to get the playbook down during his time here and he hasn’t been performing that well in camp. The Patriots are known for turning one man’s trash into their own treasure, but right now this one doesn’t look like it’s panning out. The Patriots don’t play around with guys who can’t get down the playbook/fit the system. If he doesn’t get it together soon, he’s going to be gone.